Ukhimath Temple in Uttarakhand – Swaroop of Shiva from Kedarnath Temple is Worshipped Here During Winter

When the KedarnathTemple in Uttarakhand is closed after Diwali for
winter, the swaroop of the Shiva from the temple is carried to the UkhimathTemple. Shiva as Kedarnath resides
during the harsh winter (till Akshaya Tritiya day) at the UkhimathTemple.

The utsvamurti, or the murti used for worship during rituals
and festivals, from the Panch Kedar shrines – Kedarnath, Madhya Maheshwara,
Tunganath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar – too are brought to the Ukhimath temple
during winter.

Believed to be more than 5000 years old, UkhimathTemple
propagates Veerashaivism.

A deed of gift – giving lands to the temple – by Janamejaya,
great grandson of Pandavas, is still persevered in the Kedar Peetha established
here.

The temple has a swayambhu Shivling and an imposing murti of
Nandi.

Legend has it that Usha daughter of Banasura got married to
Anirudh, grandson of Sri Krishna, here. It is believed that Usha had reconstructed
the temple here.